Commenting on the announcement of poll dates by the Election Commission (EC), Information and Broadcasting Minster Manish Tewari on Wednesday said that he respected the decision of the election commission and that the Congress was completely prepared for the upcoming polls.

"We respect whatever decision has been taken by the Election Commission. If we think there should be some change, we will talk to them, but the tradition is to follow whatever decision has been taken," said Tewari.

"This election will be a clash between two visions; secularism and pluralism represented by the Congress and sectarian communal vision.

Congress leader Raj Babbar said that he welcomed the decision of the commission and hoped that the elections take place in a peaceful manner.

"It is the decision of the election commission, and I hope that the elections take place in a peaceful manner. We are fully prepared and are confident to win the upcoming elections," said Babbar.

Earlier in the day, the Election Commission announced the schedule for Lok Sabha polls 2014.

Polling will held on nine days, starting April 07 and the counting of votes will be held on May 16.

The polls will be held on April 7, April 9, April 10, April 12, April 14, April 25, April 30, May 7 and May 12.

State elections in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Odisha will be held simultaneously.

"We have great pleasure in announcing the process of the 16th LS, which is yet another milestone in the Indian history," Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath said.

Sampath said that electoral roll has already been updated till January 2014 and final rolls have been published in all states.

On the security measures being implemented by the Election Commission, Sampath said, "To ensure free and fair elections we have taken particular care to ensure that people living in vulnerable areas, vulnerable voters are in continuous touch with the election machinery to ensure that they are able to vote uninterrupted by anyone."

"Adequate number of observers in different categories will be deployed during the forthcoming elections," he added.

The term of the current Lok Sabha expires on 1st June and the new House has to be constituted by May 31.